Editorial 2026

Abstract

EFF is a journal devoted to the basic ecology of freshwater fishes, seeking to publish important research revealing or testing knowledge of ecological phenomena. EFF is strongly committed to the conservation of fishes and their habitats. Although EFF is not a fisheries or management journal, authors may wish to include a concise statement about the implications of their research for conservation or environmental management aiming to conserve biodiversity in the Discussion.

Authors are strongly encouraged to focus their reports on the phenomena studied by deemphasizing or excluding locality or taxon involved in the title, abstract and introduction and detailing them in the methods. We understand, however, that there may be cases where including the region or taxon in these sections is appropriate.

Authors must state clearly and succinctly the most significant results and/or conclusions of the investigation. This statement must show how the findings extend beyond the study to make a significant contribution to freshwater fish ecology and why they are of general interest to the journal's broad international readership. This information must be included before the Abstract in the main document at each submission (original and revision), but it will not be published with the article.

EFF offers authors the option of free format submission for a simplified and streamlined submission process. Free format submission eases the process of preparing a manuscript and allows the author to complete the process faster. Authors may submit their manuscripts in the format of their choosing. EFF's publisher, Wiley, updates the formatting into the journal's style when a manuscript is accepted for publication.

Table 2 shows the papers cited most often in the 2-year period (2021–2022) covered by Clarivate's Journal Citation Report for June 2023. We thank the authors for their contributions to the journal and congratulate them on their achievements.

EFF publishes special issues or contributions (special sections) drawn from proceedings of conferences and symposia. We continue to seek special issues and contributions addressing basic fish ecology, as proceedings drawn from conferences or symposia, as well as independent, stand-alone publications. If you would like to propose an idea for a Special Issue in EFF, please contact the Editorial Office at [email protected].

The contributions of a journal to science are dependent upon the efforts of many. The Editorial Board members who help to maintain the integrity and rigor of the journal are especially important in the publication process. Reviewers who are chosen at large to assist in the process of evaluating submissions are integral to the journal's success. The Editorial Board for EFF is listed in Appendix A, and the reviewers for papers reviewed July 2024 through June 2025 are listed in Appendix B. We wish to share our deep appreciation to all those persons who have made the effort to assist the journal and their fellow scientists.

We seek to add additional scientists to the Editorial Board. Beyond helping to maintain the standards of scholarship for the journal, the Editorial Board provides suggestions to improve the journal and to maintain an effective database of reviewers. Members of our Editorial Board receive a complimentary online subscription to the journal. Appointments are subject to renewal, based on mutual agreement.

EFF intends to maintain equity, diversity and inclusion on the Editorial Board, reflecting the international readership and the sub-disciplinary research published in the journal. Anyone interested in serving on the Editorial Board is encouraged to apply; we are especially focused on the geographical, gender and research balance of the Board. EFF supports the development of early-career scientists; however, we encourage young investigators to consider carefully applying to the Editorial Board prior to having reached tenure or its equivalent.

Those interested in serving on the Editorial Board should have had experience with the journal as an author and/or reviewer. Application can be made by contacting the Editorial Office ([email protected]) with a statement of interest (including past involvement with EFF) and a curriculum vitae.

After 20 years of excellent service to EFF as Senior Editor, Asbjørn Vøllestad has decided to step aside as he retires from his academic position. A tribute to Asbjørn also appears in this issue. Gerard Closs becomes Senior Editor as of January 1, 2026. Gerry is a professor at the University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand, and has broad experience in freshwater fish ecology.

All authors participated in the preparation of this editorial. Authors are listed alphabetically.

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.